Battery management in a modular earpiece microphone combination

ABSTRACT

A modular wireless headset to support voice communications that includes a wireless microphone, a wireless earpiece, and a tether. Both the wireless microphone and wireless earpiece have receptacles operable to receive the tether and one or both of the wireless microphone and wireless earpiece have portable power supplies operable to power the containing module. The tether allows the wireless earpiece or wireless microphone to provide power to operate and/or recharge the microphone or wireless earpiece when the wireless microphone or wireless earpiece is coupled with the tether.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/646,270 entitled “BATTERY MANAGEMENT IN AMODULAR EARPIECE MICROPHONE COMBINATION,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al.filed on Jan. 24, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety for all purposes. This Application is related to the followingapplications: application Ser. No. 10/981,418 entitled “UNIVERSALWIRELESS MULTIMEDIA DEVICE,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed onNov. 4, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/856,430 entitled “PROVIDING A UNIVERSAL WIRELESS HEADSET,” byNambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed May 28, 2004 which claims priorityunder 35 USC §119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/473,967 filed onMay 28, 2003; and application Ser. No. 10/981,418 is also acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/856,124 filed May 28,2004 which claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to ProvisionalApplication No. 60/473,675 filed May 28, 2003; application Ser. No.10/976,300 entitled “MODULAR WIRELESS MULTIMEDIA DEVICE,” by NambirajanSeshadri, et al., filed on Oct. 27, 2004, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/856,124 entitled“MODULAR WIRELESS HEADSET AND/OR HEADPHONES,” filed May 28, 2004 whichclaims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to Provisional Application No.60/473,675, filed on May 28, 2003; and application Ser. No. 10/976,300is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/856,430 filedMay 28, 2004 which claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to ProvisionalApplication No. 60/473,967 filed May 28, 2003; application Ser. No.11/120,765 entitled “MODULAR EARPIECE/MICROPHONE THAT ANCHORS VOICECOMMUNICATIONS,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005,which claims priority under 35 USC. §119(e) to Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/656,828 filed on Feb. 25, 2005, application Ser. No. 11/122,146,entitled “HANDOVER OF CALL SERVICED BY MODULAR EARPIECE/MICROPHONEBETWEEN SERVICING BASE PORTIONS,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filedon May 4, 2005, which claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) toProvisional Application No. 60/653,234 filed on Feb. 15, 2005;application Ser. No. 11/120,900, entitled “MODULAR EARPIECE/MICROPHONE(HEADSET) OPERABLE TO SERVICE VOICE ACTIVATED COMMANDS,” by NambirajanSeshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005; application Ser. No. 11/120,904,entitled “PAIRING MODULAR WIRELESS EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) TO ASERVICED BASE PORTION AND SUBSEQUENT ACCESS THERETO,” by NambirajanSeshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priority under 35USC §119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/646,437 filed on Jan. 24,2005; application Ser. No. 11/120,902, entitled “MANAGING ACCESS OFMODULAR WIRELESS EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) TO PUBLIC/PRIVATESERVICING BASE STATION,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on May 3,2005, which claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to ProvisionalApplication No. 60/646,235 filed on Jan. 24, 2005; application Ser. No.11/120,676, entitled “EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) SERVICING MULTIPLEINCOMING AUDIO STREAMS,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on May 3,2005, which claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to ProvisionalApplication No. 60/646,272 filed on Jan. 24, 2005; application Ser. No.11/120,455, entitled “INTEGRATED AND DETACHABLE WIRELESS HEADSET ELEMENTFOR CELLULAR/MOBILE/PORTABLE PHONES AND AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICES,” byJosephus A. Van Engelen, et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claimspriority under 35 USC §119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/646,465filed on Jan. 24, 2005, all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to wireless communications and moreparticularly to the battery management of modular wireless headsetcomponents that support voice communications.

2. Background of the Invention

Battery powered wireless communications offer users the ability to be“wired” from almost anywhere in the world. Cellular telephones,satellite telephones, wireless local area networks, personal digitalassistants (PDAs) with radio frequency (RF) interfaces, laptop computerswith RF interfaces and other such battery powered devices enable thesewireless communications. Such wireless communications have been extendedto personal wireless networks, such as these defined by the Bluetoothspecification. Not only have cellular telephones become very popular,but Wireless Local Area Networking (WLAN) devices have alsoproliferated. One standard for wireless networking, which has beenwidely accepted, is the Specification of the Bluetooth System, v. 1.0(“Bluetooth Specification”).

The Bluetooth Specification enables the creation of small personal areanetworks (PAN's) where the typical operating range of a device is 100meters or less. In a Bluetooth system, Bluetooth devices sharing acommon channel sequence form a piconet. Two or more piconets co-locatedin the same area, with or without inter-piconet communications, is knownas a scatternet.

The Bluetooth Specification supports voice communications betweenBluetooth enabled devices. When a pair of Bluetooth devices supportsvoice communication, the voice communications must be wirelesslysupported in a continuous fashion so that carried voice signals are ofan acceptable quality. One popular use of personal wireless networkscouples battery powered wireless headset(s) with cellular telephone(s),personal computer(s), and laptop(s), etc. These standalone devices eachtypically require batteries to operate. Because these standalone deviceseach consume power differently, coordinating power consumption would bedesirable.

In most cases, the device is simply a replacement for a wired headset.Such Bluetooth devices, while providing benefits in mobility of theuser, provides little additional benefit over wired devices. In fact,portability and wearability are often negatively impacted by internalpower consumption and battery capacity. Thus, there is a need forportability and wearability of headset devices that support audio ormultimedia communications and also provide improved service qualitythrough extended battery life.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methodsthat are further described in the following description and claims.Advantages and features of embodiments of the present invention maybecome apparent from the description, accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless headset in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of another modular wireless headset in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a wireless headset operable to couple to variousdevices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a multi-channel wireless headset inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an access point in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of wireless earpiece in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a wireless microphone inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless microphone inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless microphone inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a wireless headsetin performing call management;

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are diagrams of a modular communication device inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a logic diagram of a method for servicing voice communicationwith a wireless headset in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a logic diagram of a method for sharing power resourceswithin a wireless headset in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a modular wireless headset 10 wirelessly coupledto base unit 16 that includes wireless earpiece 12 and wirelessmicrophone 14. Wireless earpiece 12 communicates wirelessly withmicrophone 14. However, wireless earpiece 12 and wireless microphone 14may also physically couple to exchange information or share resourcesthrough an alternate connection such as tether 27. In one embodiment,tether 27 facilitates communication between the wireless earpiece 12 andwireless microphone 14. Additionally, tether 27 may be used to shareresources such as battery life between wireless earpiece 12 and wirelessmicrophone 14. A portable power supply, such as but not limited to abattery, is provided within the wireless earpiece and/or the wirelessmicrophone. This portable power supply is operable to power wirelessearpiece 12 and wireless microphone 14 when the wireless earpiece andwireless microphone are coupled via the tether.

Accordingly, earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may be separate communicationdevices. As separate devices, those devices may clip to a user or haveother fastening means that facilitate the user wearing the device. Clipsare shown on both earpiece 12 and microphone 14 to secure these devicesto the user. Those devices may individually communicate with base unit16 via separate communication pathways or through a single wirelessinterface contained either in the earpiece or microphone. As shown,earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may both communicate with base unit 16,which may be a cellular telephone, wire line telephone, laptop computer,personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc., using transceiver(transmitter and/or receiver) 13 of FIG. 2 via a first communicationpathway 18. The base unit may physically couple to earpiece 12 and/ormicrophone 14. When physically coupled, the base unit may serve as anexternal portable power supply to the wireless modular headset. Thisexternal portable power supply may include receptacles for the both thewireless earpiece and wireless microphone as well as a battery that canprovide power to operate the modular wireless headset or recharge theportable power supplies of the modular wireless headset through thephysical coupling. Such an embodiment will be discussed in more detailin FIGS. 11A and 11B.

A display/interface on the battery may allow user commands to bereceived and directed to the modular wireless headset and the display ofinformation from the modular wireless headset as well as the portablepower supply to be presented to the user. The external power supply mayphysically couple directly to the modular wireless headset or may couplethrough the tether via an adapter. This adapter may take the form of auniversal serial bus (USB) connector that allows the modular wirelessheadset to be recharged from laptops, personal computers, or otherdevices having USB or like connectors.

Base unit 16 may also directly couple the headset to voice communicationnetworks such as radio, cellular, wireless voice or packet data, publicswitched telephone networks (PSTN), private branch exchanges or othersknown to those skilled in the art. Although shown as being external toearpiece 12, transceivers 13 and 15 and their associated antennas may beintegrated within earpiece 12 and microphone 14. Base unit 16 isoperable to establish a wireless pathway to earpiece 12 and/ormicrophone 14. This pathway may be direct or via another wirelesscomponent and pathway, such as pathway 21. For example, wirelessmicrophone 14 may communicate via base unit 16 through a wirelesspathway between earpiece 12 and base unit 16. Similarly, wirelessearpiece 12 could communicate with base unit 16 through wirelessmicrophone 14. Microphone 14 may communicate with the base unit 16 orearpiece 12 using transceiver (or transmitter) 15 of FIG. 2 viacommunication pathway 20 or 21, respectively. Either or both earpiece 12and microphone 14 may have a user interface 22. If the communicationpathways are established in accordance with the Bluetooth specification,communication pathways 18, 20, and 21 may be different timeslotallocations on the same synchronous connection orientated (SCO) link, ormay be separate SCO links.

Earpiece 12 and microphone 14 both contain a pairing circuit. Thesepairing circuits are operable to pair the wireless earpiece andmicrophone when pairing information associated with the individualearpiece 12 and microphone 14 compare favorably. If the pairinginformation associated with the individual earpiece 12 and microphone 14compares unfavorably, these individual components may not pair to form amodular wireless headset. Pairing allows the microphone and earpiece,after the wireless earpiece and microphone are successfully paired, toestablish a wireless connection between them. Also in the event that oneof the modular components needs to be added or replaced to the modularwireless headset 10, this component would have to pair to the othercomponents present.

Pairing quite simply is the act of introducing two wireless devices toone another so that they can then communicate. Pairing enables the twoor more wireless devices to join and become a trusted pair. Within atrusted pair, each device recognizes the other device(s). Then, eachdevice can automatically accept communication and bypass the discoveryand authentication process that normally happen during an initialwireless interaction between devices. Once the trusted pair isestablished, some embodiments may require user authentication beforeother devices are allowed to enter into the trusted pair. This prevents,for example, a second wireless earpiece, not of the trusted pair, fromestablishing communications with wireless headset 10. This could resultin an untrusted earpiece eavesdropping on the voice communicationserviced by modular wireless headset 10. Thus, pairing enables securityand privacy for voice communications serviced by modular wirelessheadset 10. Additionally, some embodiments may only pair when adiscoverability function associated with the wireless device is enabled.For example, the device may pair when physically coupled or when a usertoggles a pairing switch located on user interface 22. When thediscoverability/pairing function is not enabled, the wireless deviceswill not accept communications from unknown devices.

User interface 22 may also allow a user to initiate call functions ornetwork hardware operations. These call functions include callinitiation operations, call conferencing operations, call forwardingoperations, call hold operations, call muting operations, and callwaiting operations. Additionally, user interface 22 allows the user toaccess network interface functions, hardware functions, base unitinterface functions, directory functions, caller ID functions, voiceactivated commands, playback commands and device programming functions.User interface 22 can be any combinations of a visual interface asevidenced by display 24, tactile interface as evidenced by buttons 26,and/or an audio interface.

Each of these devices, earpiece 12, microphone 14 and base unit 16, maysupport one or more versions of the Bluetooth Specification or otherwireless protocols. A Bluetooth “scatternet” is formed from multiple“piconets” with overlapping coverage. A user of modular wireless headset10 may establish communications with any available base unit 16.Wireless headset 10 may have a minimal user interface 22 where a singleauthenticate or register button initiates registration. Modular wirelessheadset 10 includes a registration circuit. This registration circuitneeds to reside in either or both the wireless microphone and wirelessearpiece. The registration circuit receives and exchanges registrationinformation with base unit 16. Once this information is exchanged, themodular wireless headset, as well as base unit 16, compares theirregistration information with the exchanged information to determinewhether or not modular wireless headset 10 is authorized to use baseunit 16. Authorization will occur when the registration informationwithin the modular wireless headset compares favorably to that of thebase unit. This may involve accessing a third-party database in order toconfirm where the base unit establishes communications between aservicing network, such as a cellular or public switch telephone network(PSTN) network, or a local authentication via a local database that maycompare biometric, password user interface, VRS voice patternrecognition, encryption key/Donegal, in order to allow modular wirelessheadset 10 to access resources available through base unit 16.

Registration may determine what resources the headset may access. Forexample, access may be granted to an available one cellular network butnot a wireless packet data network. Registration may require physicallycoupling modular wireless headset 10 to base unit 16 or establishingwireless communications. In the case where wireless communications areestablished, this may require additional user input or proximity testingto authenticate and register the modular wireless headset to the baseunit. The base unit, as well as the modular wireless headset, may accessmemory either local or via server or network to validate theregistration information associated with the other component. Thus, boththe base unit needs to compare the registration information and resultin a favorable comparison, as well as the modular wireless headsetcomparing the registration information in order to result in a favorablecomparison. For example, where fees are required for access, the usermay not authenticate registration to avoid the fee. Registration allowscommunications to be automatically exchanged between the modularwireless headset and the base unit. This improves both security andprivacy for communications serviced using the modular wireless headset.

Wireless headset 10 may reside within the service coverage area ofmultiple base units. Thus, when headset 10 enters (or powers up in) anarea with more than one functioning wireless network, a user may depressauthenticate button 26, use a voice command or other means to start theauthentication/registration process. With the button depressed, thewireless headset attempts to establish communications with base unit 16.Subsequent authentication operations are required to have the wirelessheadset join the selected network. These subsequent operations mayinclude prompting the user for selection of the network, requiring thatan entry be previously made in an access list to allow wireless headset10 to join or otherwise complete the authentication operations(registration).

Once wireless headset 10 joins a respective network, headset 10 mayservice voice communications with the base unit via respective WLANlinks. Such calls will be received and managed by base unit 16 orheadset 10. Management duties for the calls may be divided between baseunit 16 and headset 10. For example, upper level portions of thecellular protocol stack may be supported by the headset while the lowerlevel portions are supported by the base unit. Integrated circuits ineither headset 10 or base unit 16 support call functions. These callfunctions include, but are not limited to, call initiation andtermination, call conferencing operations, call forwarding operations,call hold operations, call muting operations, or call waitingoperations, and may be initiated through user interface 22.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a modular wireless headset that includes earpiece12, microphone 14 physically coupled by tether 27. This headset may alsoinclude display/camera 17, and portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 tosupport net-meetings. Microphone 14, earpiece 12, display/camera 17 andportable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 may each be a separate physicaldevice that communicates wirelessly when paired to form a modularwireless headset. Earpiece 12 is a separate device from microphone 14,that together function to provide the modular wireless headset shown inFIG. 1. Accordingly, earpiece 12, microphone 14, display/camera 17, anda portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 are separate communication devicesthat may individually communicate with base units via separate or sharedcommunication pathways. A single communication pathway using timedivision may be used to communicate between earpiece 12, microphone 14,display/camera 17, portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 and base units(base units 30-37 or access point 21). These communications are securedby both pairing and registration. Encryption, validation, or other likemethods known to those skilled in the art may also be used and supportone-way or two-way audio, video or text communications. One waycommunications allow the headset to act as receivers to broadcastinformation, while two-way communications allow real-time voicecommunications, such as phone or radio communications, which may beaugmented with data, text and video to support interactive net-meetings.

Earpiece 12, once paired to form a modular wireless headset andregistered to a base unit, may automatically communicate with base unit16 and attached resources. FIG. 3 depicts those resources as a cellulartelephone network, wire line telephone, Ethernet telephone, laptopcomputer, personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc, usingtransceiver (or receiver) 13 via a first communication pathway 18. Baseunit 16 may establish a wireless pathway to earpiece 12 or microphone14. The microphone 14, once authorized or validated, may communicatewith the base unit 16 using transceiver (or transmitter) 15 via a secondcommunication pathway 20 or by sharing communication pathway 18 withearpiece 12. Display/camera 17 and portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19,with stylus 11, may communicate with the base unit 16 using transceivers(receivers and/or transmitters) 28 via communication pathways 25 and 23,respectively, or by relaying communications through another wirelesscomponent.

If the communication pathways are established in accordance with theBluetooth specification, communication resources may be differenttimeslot allocations on the same synchronous connection orientated (SCO)link, or may be separate SCO links. These communication pathways may besecured by encryption, validation, pairing, or other like means tosecure the communications exchanged with the base unit. Validation orpairing may prevent unauthorized devices from communicatively couplingto the base unit.

The quality of data provided to these devices may be adjusted accordingto which devices are actually present and supported. For example, audioquality can be improved and may even support stereo (multi-channelaudio). This option may limit resources provided to microphone 14,display/camera 17, or whiteboard 19 to service multi-channel audio.Another example may favor the use of only earphone 12 and display/camera17 to render streamed video and audio content. To coordinate thepresentation of both audio and video in such an example, earphone 12 anddisplay/camera 17 and their received communications may be synchronizedto provide a quality viewing experience. Similarly, to coordinate thepresentation of multiple audio channels, earphones 12 may besynchronized in order to provide a quality experience. To coordinate thepresentation of real-time two-way audio earphones 12 and microphone 14may be synchronized such that unacceptable delays do not exist withinexchanged voice communications. This coordination ensures there is noundue delay between the presentations provided by these individualdevices allowing the user to perceive a seamless presentation. Thisembodiment allows the multimedia device to support net-meetings thatrequire the delivery of complete Internet conferencing solutions withmulti-point data conferencing, text chat, whiteboard, and file transfer,as well as point-to-point audio and video. Additionally, this allows themultimedia device to coordinate the presentation of these differentmedia formats without necessarily requiring shared physical connectionsof these devices.

Direct connectivity previously limited the physical structure that couldbe used for a wireless headset to support net-meetings. In many cases,this results in headsets that are cumbersome to use and uncomfortable towear. The protocol used between modular components (base units, hostdevices, access points and other communicatively coupled devices) mayallow the base unit to send data to each device in a coordinated mannerthat allows for the synchronized presentation of multimedia content bythe devices. Alternatively, the information may be supplied to onecomponent and then distributed within the trusted pair devices that makeup the modular wireless headset. For example, one embodiment mayallocate a predetermined portion of each data transmission for eachmedia format. This would allow base unit 16 to transmit the same data toeach device, wherein each device only processes that content intendedfor that device. In another embodiment, base unit or access pointcommunicates in parallel with each device. By coordinating the data orpackets exchanged with the devices, their individual presentations maybe synchronized.

Direct connectivity may still be desired to share resources such asbatteries or onboard power supplies. This allows components of themodular wireless headset to extend the battery life of the modularwireless headset. Such direct connectivity may be through a directphysical connection as shown in FIG. 3 or a tethered connection as shownin FIGS. 1 and 2. Power from power supplies located within the wirelessmicrophone, wireless earpiece, or optionally coupled based unit may beshared between the wireless microphone and wireless earpiece through thephysical coupling provided by the tether. The portable power supplieswithin the wireless microphone, wireless earpiece or base unit may beused also to recharge the portable power supplies within the microphoneor earpiece. This may be done based on many different criteria. Forexample, which battery or portable power supply has a lesser charge maybe used as the determining criteria. Other criteria may be based standbytime associated with individual components, historical user profile,mode of operation as specified by user, or other such reasons known tothose having skill in the arts. The base unit may further havereceptacles through which the earpiece and microphone may physicallycouple to the base unit. Such receptacles may receive the wirelessearpiece and microphone, a battery, and a display interface throughwhich a user may input commands directed to the modular wireless headsetand display information received from the modular wireless headset.

Earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may have on-chip operations to supportcall conferencing, call waiting, flash, and other features associatedwith telephones or net-meetings. These functions may me accessed andreviewed by a user interface and display within the base unit or a userinterface and display located on or coupled to either earphone 12 ormicrophone 14. The user interface and display, located on or coupled toeither the base unit or earphone 12 or microphone 14 may have a displayand button(s) that may be used to program device, perform directoryfunctions including selecting number to call, view caller ID, initiatecall waiting, or initiate call conferencing. Additionally, circuitrywithin earphone 12 or microphone 14 may enable voice activated dialing.The actual voice recognition could be performed within earphone 12,microphone 14, or a base unit. Thus, earphone 12 or microphone 14 mayact to initiate calls and receive calls. A link between earphone 12 andmicrophone 14 would allow earphone 12 or microphone 14 to shareresources, such as batter life, and allow earphone 12 or microphone 14to be recharged from a base unit.

Each of the devices 30-37 also includes piconet RF interface 38 and/orwireless interface 39. Piconet RF interface 38 may be constructed tosupport one or more versions of the Bluetooth specification. As such,each of the piconet RF interfaces 38-36 include a radio frequencytransceiver that operates at 2.4 gigahertz and baseband processing formodulating and demodulating data that is transceived within a piconet.As such, wireless headset 10 may be wirelessly coupled with any one ofthe devices 30-37 and act as the headset communicatively coupled andregistered to the devices 30-37.

Devices 30-37 may further include a wireless LAN (WLAN) RF interface 39.The wireless LAN RF interfaces 39 may be constructed in accordance withone or more versions of IEEE802.11 (a), (b), and/or (g) or other WLANprotocol known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, each of theWLAN RF interfaces 39 include an RF transceiver that may operate in the2.4 gigahertz range and/or in the 5.25 or 5.75 gigahertz range andfurther includes baseband processing to modulate and demodulate datathat is transceived over the corresponding wireless communication link.

Contrasting the functionality of the piconet RF interfaces with the WLANRF interfaces, piconet RF interfaces allow point-to-point communicationbetween the associated devices, while the WLAN RF interfaces enable theassociated devices to communicate indirectly via base units. Forexample, via piconet RF interfaces 38 laptop 34 can communicate directlywith cellular telephone 36. In contrast, via WLAN RF interfaces 39,laptop 34 communicates indirectly, via access point 21, with cellulartelephone 36. In general, the coverage area of a piconet issignificantly smaller than the coverage area of a WLAN. Thus, forexample, if headset 10 and cellular telephone 36 were unable toestablish a piconet connection via piconet RF interfaces 38 due todistance between the devices. These devices would be able to establish awireless communication link via the WLAN RF interfaces 39 and accesspoint 21. Dual communication pathways allow communications to beswitched between pathways, dependent on factors such as audio quality,signal strength, and available bandwidth.

Wireless headset 10 may establish a piconet with any one of the devices30-37 or with access point 21, which includes WLAN RF interface 39 andpiconet RF interface 38. As such, wireless headset 10 may function asthe headset for wire line telephone 37, Ethernet telephone 35, personaldigital assistant 30, personal computer 32, laptop computer 34 and/orcellular telephone 36 provided a piconet and registration can beestablished with the device. In accordance with the present invention,if a piconet cannot be established with the particular device, anextended network may be created utilizing the WLAN connectivity and atleast one corresponding piconet.

If voice communications are to be serviced via wire line telephone 37(i.e., the base unit for this example), but headset 10 is at a distancesuch that a piconet cannot be established between their piconet RFinterfaces, and headset 10 is in a range to establish a piconet withcellular telephone 36, the piconet RF interfaces of cellular telephone36 and headset 10, respectively, would establish a piconet, which may beestablished in accordance with the Bluetooth specification. With thispiconet established, cellular telephone 36, via its WLAN RF interface,establishes a wireless connection with access point 21. Access point 21then establishes a communication link with wire line telephone 37. Thus,a logical connection is established between headset 10 and wire linetelephone 37 via cellular telephone 36 and access point 21. Note thatwire line telephone 37 may be directly coupled to LAN 50 or coupled to aprivate branch exchange (PBX), which in turn is coupled to access point21. Accordingly, within a wireless geographic area, the range of headset10 may be extended utilizing the WLAN within the geographic area. Assuch, headset 10 extends the mobility of its user, extends the range ofheadset use and expands on headset functionality while preservingprivacy and security by seeking service from base units to which it maybe registered. Alternatively, headset 10 may establish a piconet withcell phone 36. This allows cell phone 36 to establish an alternatecommunication pathway for the communications serviced by wired telephone37. Then it is possible for the call serviced by telephone 37 or 35 tobe “handed off” to cellular telephone 36.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of a modular wireless headset10 that includes two earpieces 12A and 12B, microphone 14, and userinterface 22. In this configuration, microphone 14 communicates withbase unit 16 via communication pathway 20, earpiece 12A communicateswith base unit 16 using transceiver (or receiver) 13A via communicationpathway 18 and earpiece 12B communicates with base unit 16 usingtransceiver (or receiver) 13B via communication pathway 32.Alternatively, earpieces 12A and 12B, and microphone 14 may establish apiconet and communicate with base unit 16 via a single communicationpathway.

In operation, voice produced by the individual using microphone 14 isreceived via a microphone transducer and converted into RF signals bycircuitry within microphone 14, as shown in FIG. 7. These RF signals areprovided to base unit 16 via the previously identified communicationpathways. Base unit 16 includes a corresponding receiver antenna 46 andreceiver module to recapture the audio signals received viacommunication pathways 18, 20 and 32. In addition, base unit 16 includesat least one transmitter to transmit audio information to theearpiece(s) 12A and 12B. In one embodiment, base unit 16 may transmitleft channel stereo information to earpiece 12A and right channel stereoinformation to earpiece 12B.

Wireless headphone(s) may be realized by omitting microphone 14 andincluding either one or both of earpieces 12A and 12B. In thisembodiment, base unit 16 may be a playback device such as a CD player,DVD player, cassette player, etc. operable to stream audio information.If the display of FIG. 2 is utilized as well, both streaming audio andvideo may be enjoyed by the user.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a base unit that supports modular wirelessmultimedia devices. Base unit 16 includes a combination of transmitterand receiver (or transceiver) modules that accept and modulate ordemodulate streamed audio, video, text, or data to and from earpiece(s)12 and microphone 14, display 17 and whiteboard 19 through antenna 46.The base unit may be incorporated within or operably couple to anotherdevice such as a playback device, laptop, cellular telephone, land basedtelephone or other like device known to those skilled in the art. Forexample, one embodiment has transmitter module 40 and receiver module42.

Base unit 16 also includes registration circuit 49 with which to compareregistration information contained in memory available to base unit 16and registration information received from headset 10. Registration mayoccur by physically coupling or docking headset 10 to the base unit ormay occur wirelessly. Registration allows a trusted relationship to beestablished between base unit 16 and headset 10. This relationshipensures privacy and security of communication service by the wirelessconnection between base unit 16 and headset 10. This trustedrelationship utilizes a pass key or other like means of verification toensure that base unit 16 and headset 10 have permission to access oneanother. Once the trusted relationship is established throughregistration, the re-initialization of that relationship is notnecessary in order to service communications between base unit 16 andheadset 10. The registration information to be exchanged and comparedmay include voice patterns, biometric information, user tactile inputsin response to stimuli, password, voice recognized input, audio or videotests, encryption keys, handwriting recognition inputs, third partyverification and testing, proximity information or other likeinformation known to those skilled in the art. This same set ofinformation may also be used in the previously identified paringprocess.

Transmitter module 40 accepts voice communications or unmodulatedstreamed audio, video, data or text from a servicing network or playbackdevice 44 (e.g., DVD player, MP3 player, CD player, cassette player, orother like devices known to those skilled in the art). Playback device44 may be integrated within base unit 16. Transmitter module 40 thenmodulates the streamed audio into low intermediate frequency (IF)signal. In the case where two earpieces are employed, multipletransmitter modules or time separation may be employed to modulate thestreamed audio into low IF signals for the earpieces for each channel(i.e. left and right channels of stereo transmissions. These multiplesignals are synchronized in their presentation to a user. Similarly,receiver module 42 accepts modulated streamed audio, video, data or textfrom multimedia device 10. Receiver module 42 recovers signals from thereceived low IF signals. The recovered signals are then relayed to theservicing network or presentation device 45. Note that the generation oflow IF signals and subsequent demodulation to recapture audio signal maybe done in accordance with a particular wireless communication standard.For example, the Bluetooth specification may be used, IEEE802.11 (a),(b), and/or (g) may also be used, etc. when base unit 16 couples to atelephone network (PSTN, cellular, satellite, WLAN, VOIP, etc.). Baseunit 16 may receive data associated with the command as well. Forexample, caller ID information may be passed to user interface 22 orenhanced call operations may be initiated based on input received at theuser interface.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of earpiece 12. Earpiece 12 includesreceiver module 41, optional user interface 43, processing module 45 andspeaker module 47. Receiver module 40 includes antenna 46, bandpassfilter 48, low noise amplifier 50, down converter 52 and localoscillator 54. User interface 43, referring briefly to FIG. 1, can beany combinations of a visual interface as evidenced by display 24,tactile interface as evidenced by buttons 26, and/or an audio interfacerepresented by microphone/speaker and may operably couple to processingmodule 58 to initiate call functions or playback functions which will bedescribed further in FIG. 10.

Processing module 45 performs data recovery and includes ananalog-to-digital converter (ADC) 56. The processing module alsoincludes pairing circuit 49 and registration circuit 51. Digital channelfilter 60 and demodulator 61 process the recovered signal while setupmodule 76, pairing circuit 49 and registration circuit 51 act toestablish secure, private communications path with trusted devices andthe base units. Speaker module 47 includes a digital-to-analog converter(DAC) 62, variable gain module 64, and at least one speaker 66 to renderrecovered communications.

Once the piconet is configured and trusted relationships areestablished, receiver module 41 receives inbound RF signal 68 from baseunit 16 via antenna 46. Bandpass filter 48 filters the received RFsignal 68 which are subsequently amplified by low noise amplifier 50.Down converter 52 converts the filtered and amplified RF signal 68 intolow intermediate frequency (IF) signal 70 based on a local oscillator54. Low IF signals 70 may have a carrier frequency at DC ranging to afew megahertz.

Processing module 45 receives low IF signals 70 and converts the low IFsignals 70 into digital signals via ADC 56. Processing module 45 may bea single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such aprocessing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digitalsignal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operationalinstructions. The memory (not shown) may be a single memory device or aplurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-onlymemory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory,static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, and/or any device thatstores digital information. Note that when processing module 58implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storingthe corresponding operational instructions is embedded with thecircuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

Digital channel filter 60 receives the digital low IF signals 72 andfilters these signals. Demodulator 61 recovers audio signals 74 from thefiltered low IF signals. Note that the generation of RF signal 68 andsubsequent demodulation to recapture audio signal 74 may be done inaccordance with a particular wireless communication standard. Forexample, the Bluetooth specification may be used; IEEE802.11 (a), (b),and/or (g) may also be used, etc.

Speaker module 47 converts digital audio signal 72 into analog signalsrendered to the user through speakers 66. Adjustable gain module 64adjusts the gain (i.e., adjusts volume), and provides the amplifiedsignals to speaker 66, which produces audible signals 74. As long as thepiconet remains in place between earpiece 12 and base unit 16, earpiece12 will produce audible signals 74 from received inbound RF signal 68.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of microphone 14 that includes audioinput module 80, transmitter module 82 and user interface 101. Audioinput module 80 includes microphone 84, amplifier 86, ADC 88, processingmodule 100 that includes a setup module 92 and modulator 90, and DAC 62.Setup module 92 further includes a pairing circuit and an optionalregistration circuit to establish secure, private communications aspreviously described. User interface 101 can be any combinations of avisual interface as evidenced by display 103, tactile interface asevidenced by buttons 107, and/or an audio interface represented bymicrophone/speaker 109 and may operably couple to processing module 100to initiate call functions which will be described further in FIG. 10.Transmitter module 82 includes up-converter 94, local oscillator 96,power amplifier 97, bandpass filter 98, and antenna 102.

Once microphone 14 is configured within a piconet, microphone 84 toreceives audio signals 105 and converts these signals to analog signals106. Amplifier 86 amplifies analog audio signals 106 that ADC 88 thenconverts into digital audio signals 108. Modulator 90 modulates thedigital signals based on a predetermined communication standard. Asshown, modulator 90 and setup module 92 are implemented withinprocessing module 100. Processing module 100 may be a single processingdevice or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing devicemay be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The memorymay be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note thatwhen processing module 100 implements one or more of its functions via astate machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational instructionsis embedded with the circuitry comprising the state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

Up-converter 94 converts modulated signals 110 into RF signals based onlocal oscillator 96. Power amplifier 97 amplifies these signals whichmay be subsequently processed by bandpass filter 98. The filtered RFsignals are then transmitted via antenna 102 as outbound RF signals 110to base unit 16. As long as the piconet is established to includemicrophone 14 and base unit 16 in a trusted pair, microphone 14 maytransmit to base unit 16 in the manner described.

As shown in both FIGS. 6 and 7, separable tether or connector 112 mayphysically connect setup modules 76 and 92 and/or power distributionmodules 77 and 93. Such a physical connection allows for earpiece 12 andmicrophone 14 to share resources, such as battery life, and communicatein both directions with the base unit. Power distribution control andmanagement may be performed by circuitry within power distributionmodules coupled to the setup modules or within the modules themselves.This circuitry may perform the functions discussed in FIGS. 12 and 13.Power Circuits 77 and 93 both include a battery or other like, portablepower source. Additionally, power circuits 77 and 93 may include a powerdistribution management or control circuit. This power distributioncircuit may direct how resources such as battery life are shared betweenearpiece 12 and microphone 14. For example, when operating in areceive-only mode, power may be used to maximize operating time of theearpiece by conserving unnecessary power expenditures from the wirelessmicrophone. In another embodiment, a user may select a mode using thedisplay interface and buttons 26 of FIG. 1 to select a microphone-onlymode or an earphone-only mode. Additionally, the power distributionmodules may examine the operating history associated with the wirelessearpiece 12 and microphone 14 to determine a standby time associatedwith these individual components. Power may be distributed such that thestandby times of the components are equal. In another alternative, themodule wireless headset couples to an external power support sourceavailable through a base unit. In such a case, the wireless earpiece orwireless microphones' internal reserves may be preferentially chargedover one another. This decision, again, may be based on user input,operating history, maximizing standby time, or quite simply whicheverpower supply has lower reserves.

With respect to communication, if the devices are compliant with one ormore versions of the Bluetooth Specification, base unit 16, functioningas the master, may issue a registration request to earpiece 12 coupledto microphone 14. Upon receiving this request, earpiece 12 andmicrophone 14 respond to the request indicating that RF channel(s) beestablished for the headset. Based on these responses, the mastercoordinates the establishment of the pathways and providessynchronization information through earpiece 12 and microphone 14 viareceiver module 40 of earpiece 12. Setup modules 76 and 92 coordinatethe registration of earpiece 12 and microphone 14 with the base unit,pairing of earpiece 12 and microphone 14, as well as coordinatingtimeslot assignments and/or SCO link assignments. Once the physicalconnection between earpiece 12 and microphone may be severed toestablish earpiece 12 and microphone 14 as separate pieces.Alternatively, earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may each directly couple tothe base unit to accomplish this setup.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate schematic block diagrams of earpiece 12 andmicrophone 14 that include transceiver modules (i.e., receiver modulesand transmitter modules). The use of the transceiver modules allowearpiece 12, microphone 14 and base unit 16 to be physically separatedevices and be configured, paired and registered using wirelesscommunications. As such, earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may becontinuously worn on a person for receiving incoming calls and/orplacing outgoing calls.

Earpiece 12, as shown in FIG. 8, includes antenna 46, transmit/receiveswitch 122, receiver module 41, processing module 45, speaker module 47,transmitter module 120, input module 128 and display module 132.Receiver module 41, processing module 45 and speaker module 47 operateas discussed with reference to FIG. 6. Processing module 45 may alsoproduce display information for display module 132. For instance, thereceived RF signal may include information such as caller ID, commandinformation, etc. which is separated by processing module 45 andprovided to display module 132, which may be an LCD display, plasmadisplay, etc.

Input module 128, which may be a keypad, touch screen, voice recognitioncircuit, or other like user interfaces, receives user commands andproduces digital command messages 124 there from. Such digital commandmessages 124 includes, but are not limited to, packet size,synchronization information, frequency hopping initiation information,timeslot allocation information, link establishment information, piconetaddress information, fast-forward, play, pause, volume adjust, record,stop and rewind.

Processing module 45 receives digital command messages 124 and, whenapplicable, processes the command messages. For example, if the commandmessage is with respect to a volume adjust; a graphical representationof adjusting the volume may be presented on display module 132 and thegain of amplifier 64 adjusted to adjust the volume associated withspeaker 66. This command may also initiate pairing and registration.

Transmit module 120 receives digital command messages 124 and convertsthese messages into outbound RF command signals 126, which aresubsequently transmitted to base unit 16 and/or microphone module viaantenna 46. Accordingly, by including transmitter module 120 along withreceiver module 41, earpiece 12 may function as a master and/or slaveand exchange/relay data for other components.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of microphone 14 that includes audioinput module 80, transmitter module 82, transmit receive switch 122,antenna 102, receiver module 132, input module 140 and display module138. Input module 140 is operable to receive user input commands 142 andconvert these commands into digital command messages 144. Input module140 couples to or includes a user interface that allows a user toinitiate call functions or network hardware operations, such as pairingand registration. Network interface functions may include base unitinterface functions, component interface functions, directory functions,caller ID functions, voice activated commands and device programmingfunctions. This user interface can be any combinations of visualinterface(s), tactile interface(s), and/or an audio interface(s) thatallow the user to input commands 142. Digital command messages 144 maybe similar to digital command messages 124 and may further includeestablish a call, terminate a call, call waiting, or other likefunctions. Transmitter module 82 converts digital command messages 144into RF command signals 134 that are transmitted via antenna 102.Similarly, inbound RF command signals 135 may be received by receivermodule 132 via antenna 102. Display module 138, which may be a LCDdisplay, plasma display, etc., receives digital command messages 136 andmay display corresponding configuration messages. In addition, anydisplay information received from the host and/or microphone moduleregarding setup, operation, or as part of the data content, may bedisplayed on display module 138.

FIG. 10 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a wireless headsetconstructed according to the present invention in serving voicecommunications while providing call management. The operations describedwith reference to FIG. 10 may be performed whole or in part by anon-chip processor within or coupled to processing modules 58 and 100 ofFIGS. 6 and 7. During normal operations, the wireless headset servicesnormal operations, e.g., single call or device playback. Other modulardevices, such as those of FIG. 2 that couple to the microphone orheadset, may perform these operations.

One particular operation that the wireless headset may perform is toplace a call on hold (step 1004). In such case, the wireless headsetceases producing audio input and audio output for the call (step 1006).These operations are continued during a wait state (step 1008) untilnormal operations are resumed for the call (step 1010). From step 1010,operation proceeds to step 1002. The call hold operations of steps1004-1010 may be performed in conjunction with the other operations ofFIG. 10, e.g., call waiting, call muting, call conferencing, etc.

Call conferencing (step 1012) may be initiated by the wireless headsetor by a master device if the wireless headset does not have sufficientuser interface for call conferencing initiation. In such case, a newcall is established by the wireless headset (step 1014). This new callmay be serviced by the additional channels serviced by the wirelessheadset. As was previously described, the wireless headset supportsmultiple channels. Using this multiple channels, the wireless headsetreceives audio input from all participants (step 1016) and combines theaudio input, along with the input generated by the user of the wirelessheadset. The wireless headset then directs the combined audio to allparticipants (their servicing CODECs at step 1020). Note that theseoperations are continually performed for the duration of the conferencecall.

The wireless headset may also mute calls (step 1022). In such case, thewireless headset simply ceases all audio output (1024) and waits for theuser of the wireless headset to cease the muting operations (step 1026).When the muting has been ceased, the wireless headset resumes the audioservicing of the call (step 1028).

The wireless multimedia device also performs call waiting operations(step 1030). In such case, the wireless multimedia device receives anindication that a call is inbound (step 1032). However, instead ofimmediately servicing the call, the wireless multimedia device notifiesthe user of the wireless multimedia device of the call (step 1034),e.g., provides a beeping indication to the user of the wirelessmultimedia device. The wireless multimedia device then services the call(step 1036), at the direction of the user to either complete the call,have the call join a currently serviced call (via call conferencingoperations in some cases), or to ignore the call.

The wireless multimedia device may also perform call forwardingoperations according to the present invention (step 1038). In such case,the wireless multimedia device receives the call (step 1040). However,instead of servicing the call, the wireless multimedia device determinesa forwarding location for the call (step 1042) and then forwards thecall (step 1044). Operation from steps 1010, 1020, 1028, 1036, and 1044return to step 1002.

FIG. 11A is a schematic block diagram of modular communication device150, such as a wireless terminal (e.g., cell phone or wireless packetdata phone) that includes host device (base unit) 152, detachablemicrophone 154 and detachable earpiece 156. Detachable earpiece 156 andmicrophone 154 may couple through tether or connector 155. Connector 155allows two-way communication over a wired connection and the sharing ofresources such as battery life. In this embodiment, modularcommunication device 150 may function as a typical device (e.g.,cellular telephone, CD player, cassette player, etc.) when detachableearpiece 156 and detachable microphone 154 are physically connected tohost device 152. When detachable earpiece 156 is not in physical contactwith host device 152, a wireless connection couples detachable earpiece156 and host device 152. Similarly, when detachable microphone 154 isdetached from host device 152, a second wireless connection couplesdetachable microphone 154 and host device 152. Alternatively, whendetachable earpiece 156 and/or detachable microphone 154 are physicallycoupled to host device 152, they may communicate via a physical orwireless link. At this time, they may be paired and registered as wellto the host device. As one of average skill in the art will appreciate,modular communication device 150 may include multiple detachableearpieces 156. In addition, modular communication device 150 may omitdetachable microphone 154 if host device 152 is a playback type device(e.g., DVD player, CD player, cassette player, etc.). Similarly, modularcommunication device 150 may omit detachable earpiece 156 whenfunctioning as a recording device (e.g., dictaphone). Detachableearpiece 156 and microphone 154 may have on-chip operations to supportcall conferencing, call waiting, flash, and other features associatedwith telephones. These functions may be accessed and reviewed by a userinterface 158 and display 160 within host device 152 or a user interfaceand display located on either detachable earpiece 156 or microphone 154.The user interface and display, located on either the host device ordetachable earpiece 156 and microphone 154 may have a display andbutton(s) that may be used to program device, perform directoryfunctions including selecting number to call, view caller ID, initiatecall waiting, or initiate call conferencing. Additionally, circuitrywithin the earpiece 156 and microphone 154 may enable voice activateddialing. The actual voice recognition could be performed within earpiece156, microphone 154, or host device 152. Thus, earpiece 156 andmicrophone 154 may act to initiate calls and receive calls.

Tether or connector 155, between earpiece 156 and microphone 154, allowsearpiece 156 and microphone 154 to share resources, such as batterylife, and allow earpiece 156 and microphone 154 to be recharged fromhost device 152. Earpiece/microphone/base portion are included with cellphone battery. Cell phone battery has openings 162 and 164 locatedtherein for storage/recharging of earpiece 156 and microphone 154. Whenlocated in these openings, the earpiece/microphone will be rechargedfrom the cell phone battery. The new cell phone battery may include baseportion RF interface and interface to cell phone port. Existing cellphone port technology could be used to treat the earpiece/microphone inthe same manner as wired earpiece/microphone is treated.

FIG. 11B is a schematic block diagram of modular playback device 150B,that includes host device (base unit) 152, detachable microphone 154 anddetachable earpiece 156. Detachable earpiece 156 and microphone 154 maycouple through tether or connector 155. Connector 155 allows two-waycommunication over a wired connection and the sharing of resources suchas battery life. In this embodiment, modular communication device 150may function as a typical playback device (e.g., CD player, cassetteplayer, etc.) when detachable earpiece 156 and detachable microphone 154are physically connected to host device 152. When detachable earpiece156 is not in physical contact with host device 152, a wirelessconnection couples detachable earpiece 156 and host device 152.Similarly, when detachable microphone 154 is detached from host device152, a second wireless connection couples detachable microphone 154 andhost device 152. Base unit 152 may also serve as an external powersupply that directly couples or tethers to the wireless components. Thisexternal portable power supply may include receptacles 162 and 164 forthe both the wireless earpiece and wireless microphone as well as aninternal battery (not shown) that can provide power to operate themodular wireless headset or recharge the portable power supplies of themodular wireless headset through the physical coupling. Adisplay/interface 160 may allow user commands to be received anddirected to the modular wireless headset and display information fromthe modular wireless headset as well as the portable power supply to theuser. The external power supply may physically couple directly to themodular wireless headset or may couple through tether 155 via adapter166 as shown in FIG. 11C. This adapter may take the form of a universalserial bus (USB) connector that allows the modular wireless headset tobe recharged from laptops, personal computers, or other devices havingUSB or like connectors.

FIG. 12 is a logical diagram that illustrates another method ofservicing voice communications between a destination terminal andmodular wireless headset in accordance with the present invention. Step200 couples the wireless microphone and wireless earpiece that form themodular wireless headset with a tether or direct physical connection.Additionally, the modular wireless headset may physically couple to abase unit in order to share resources, exchange information and exchangeregistration information. This coupling may involve physically dockingthe wireless microphone and wireless earpiece to the base unit to sharepower supplies, or establishing wired or wireless communications betweenthe wireless microphone, wireless earpiece and the base unit. In Step202, the internal power resources are shared through a physicallycoupling with a tether or direct connection. Step 204 provides access tothe components of the wireless headset to resources made availablethrough the base unit. This allows the service of communications or theplayback of stored or streamed media between resources made availablethrough the base unit and the headset in Step 206. For example, voicecommunications may be serviced between a destination terminal and theheadset.

FIG. 13 is a logic diagram of a method for extending the battery life ofcomponents within a modular wireless headset. FIG. 13 provides moredetail on how internal power resources are shared as previouslydescribed in Step 202. This involves first determining a powerdistribution profile in Step 202-1. This profile may be based on a userselected mode of operation, a historical use profile, or other criteriaknown to those having skill in the arts. Next in Step 202-2 the systemwill determine the power distribution resources. This involvesdetermining the internal power reserves associated with the batterieslocated in the wireless microphone, wireless earpiece, base unit, andwhether an external power supply is attached through a connector or thebase unit. Step 202-3 determines the power distribution needs based onthe profile. For example when the modular wireless headset is operatedin a one way receive only mode, it may not be necessary to operate thewireless microphone. Hence only the wireless earphones need be powered.Step 202-4 distributes the power based on the profile, availableresources and current consumption or needs. Thus power may bedistributed to operate the wireless earphone and wireless microphoneand/or recharge internal power supplies within those wirelesscomponents. In an example where the wireless earphone's battery isdepleted and the wireless microphone's is fully charged, the powerdistribution may partially or fully charge the wireless earpiece'sbattery from that of the attached resources. These resources may includethe fully charged battery within the wireless microphones and thecoupled base unit which may be operating from an internal power supplyor an external power supply.

In summary, the present invention provides a modular wireless headset tosupport voice communications when registered to a base unit. Thismodular wireless headset includes both a wireless microphone andwireless earpiece. The wireless earpiece may further include a wirelessinterface, a processing circuit, a speaker, a user interface, a pairingcircuit, and a registration circuit. The wireless interface allows thewireless earpiece to wirelessly communicate with the base unit thatcouples the modular wireless headset to a servicing network. Thiscoupling to the service network and base unit only occurs when theheadset is successfully registered to the base unit. The pairing circuitand registration circuit allow the exchange of pairing or registrationinformation between various wireless components. The pairing circuitallows the wireless earpiece and microphone to exchange pairinginformation which is then compared to determine whether or not asuccessful pairing can be achieved. Successfully paired wirelessearpieces and wireless microphones wirelessly communicate. Theregistration circuit registers the modular wireless headset to the baseunit when the registration information associated with the modularwireless headset and base unit compare favorably. Components of themodular wireless headset that do not pair successfully are uncoupledfrom the headset. Similarly, wireless headsets that fail to register arecommunicatively uncoupled from the base unit.

As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, the term“substantially” or “approximately”, as may be used herein, provides anindustry-accepted tolerance to its corresponding term. Such anindustry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to twentypercent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values,integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise andfall times, and/or thermal noise. As one of average skill in the artwill further appreciate, the term “operably coupled”, as may be usedherein, includes direct coupling and indirect coupling via anothercomponent, element, circuit, or module where, for indirect coupling, theintervening component, element, circuit, or module does not modify theinformation of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level,and/or power level. As one of average skill in the art will alsoappreciate, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled toanother element by inference) includes direct and indirect couplingbetween two elements in the same manner as “operably coupled”. As one ofaverage skill in the art will further appreciate, the term “comparesfavorably”, as may be used herein, indicates that a comparison betweentwo or more elements, items, signals, etc., provides a desiredrelationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may beachieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

The preceding discussion has presented a modular communication device,modular wireless multimedia device and modular wireless headphones. Byphysically separating the microphone from the earpiece and/or byseparating the earpieces, more discrete components may be produced thatare more comfortable to wear and are less cumbersome to use. As one ofaverage skill in the art will appreciate, other embodiments may bederived from the teaching of the present invention without deviatingfrom the scope of the claims.

1. A modular wireless headset operable to support voice communicationsthrough a base unit, comprising: a tether having a first end and asecond end; a detachable wireless microphone having a first receptacleoperable to receive the first end of the tether; a detachable wirelessearpiece having a second receptacle operable to receive the second endof the tether, wherein the tether is operable to couple the detachablewireless microphone and detachable wireless earpiece to facilitatecommunication and to share resources, and wherein at least one of thedetachable wireless earpiece and detachable wireless microphone furtherincludes a portable power supply operable to power the detachablewireless headset; and wherein each of the detachable wireless microphoneand the detachable wireless earpiece include a pairing circuit operableto pair the detachable wireless earpiece and the detachable wirelessmicrophone when pairing information associated with the detachablewireless earpiece and the detachable wireless microphone comparefavorably, and either of the detachable wireless microphone or thedetachable wireless earpiece is operable to manage a first portion of aprotocol stack to support the voice communications, in which the baseunit is operable to manage a complementary portion of the protocolstack.
 2. The modular wireless headset of claim 1, wherein both thedetachable wireless microphone and detachable wireless earpiece furthercomprise: a power management circuit operable to allocate shared powersupplies between the detachable wireless earpiece and detachablewireless microphone when coupled with the tether.
 3. The modularwireless headset of claim 1, wherein the base unit comprises a wirelessterminal, and wherein the base unit is operable to: physically couple tothe modular wireless headset; and provide power to operate the modularwireless headset or recharge portable power supplies of modular wirelessheadset through the physical coupling.
 4. The modular wireless headsetof claim 3, wherein the detachable wireless microphone and detachablewireless earpiece physically couple to receptacle(s) within the baseunit.
 5. The modular wireless headset of claim 4, wherein thereceptacle(s) are within the base unit's portable power supply.
 6. Themodular wireless headset of claim 1, wherein the modular wirelessheadset is operable to physically couple to an external portable powersupply, and wherein the external portable power supply comprises: awireless earpiece receptacle operable to receive the detachable wirelessearpiece; a wireless microphone receptacle operable to receive thedetachable wireless microphone; a battery operable to provide power tooperate the modular wireless headset or recharge portable power suppliesof the modular wireless headset through a physical coupling; and adisplay/interface operable to receive user commands directed to themodular wireless headset and display information received from themodular wireless headset.
 7. The modular wireless headset of claim 1,wherein the tether further comprises: an adapter operable to physicallycouple the modular wireless headset to an external power supply.
 8. Themodular wireless headset of claim 7, wherein the adapter comprises: auniversal serial bus (USB) connector operable to physically couple themodular wireless headset to an external power supply via a USB port. 9.The modular wireless headset of claim 1, wherein the base unitcommunicatively couples the modular wireless headset to a servicingnetwork, and wherein the servicing network is selected from the groupconsisting of: cellular network; public switched telephone network(PSTN); wide area network (WAN); local area network (LAN); and awireless local area network (WLAN).
 10. A modular wireless headsetoperable to support voice communications, comprising: a tether having afirst end and a second end; a detachable wireless earpiece having afirst receptacle operable to receive the first end of the tether; adetachable wireless microphone having a second receptacle operable toreceive the second end of the tether, wherein the tether is operable tocouple the detachable wireless microphone and detachable wirelessearpiece to facilitate communication and to share resources, and whereinat least one of the detachable wireless earphone and the detachablewireless microphone further includes a portable power supply operable topower the detachable wireless microphone, and operable to power thedetachable wireless earpiece when the detachable wireless earpiece anddetachable wireless microphone are coupled with the tether; and whereineach of the detachable wireless microphone and the detachable wirelessearpiece include a pairing circuit operable to pair the detachablewireless earpiece and the detachable wireless microphone when pairinginformation associated with the detachable wireless earpiece and thedetachable wireless microphone compare favorably, and either of thedetachable wireless microphone or the detachable wireless earpiece isoperable to manage a first portion of a protocol stack to support thevoice communications, in which the base unit is operable to manage acomplementary portion of the protocol stack.
 11. The modular wirelessheadset of claim 10, wherein the base unit comprises a wirelessterminal, and wherein the base unit is operable to: physically couple tothe modular wireless headset; and provide power to operate the modularwireless headset or recharge portable power supplies of modular wirelessheadset through the physical coupling.
 12. The modular wireless headsetof claim 10, wherein the detachable wireless microphone and thedetachable wireless earpiece physically couple to receptacles within thebase unit.
 13. The modular wireless headset of claim 12, wherein themodular wireless headset is operable to physically couple to an externalportable power supply, and wherein the external portable power supplycomprises: a wireless earpiece receptacle operable to receive thedetachable wireless earpiece; a wireless microphone receptacle operableto receive the detachable wireless microphone; a battery operable toprovide power to operate the modular wireless headset or rechargeportable power supplies of the modular wireless headset through thephysical coupling; and a display/interface operable to receive usercommands directed to the modular wireless headset and displayinformation received from the modular wireless headset.
 14. The modularwireless headset of claim 10, wherein the tether further comprises: auniversal serial bus (USB) connector operable to physically couple themodular wireless headset to an external power supply via a USB port. 15.The modular wireless headset of claim 10, wherein the base unitcommunicatively couples the modular wireless headset to a servicingnetwork, and wherein the servicing network is selected from the groupconsisting of: cellular network; public switched telephone network(PSTN); wide area network (WAN); local area network (LAN); and awireless local area network (WLAN).